The Best Enemies-to-Lovers Reads
ROUND UP
Enemies-to-Lovers
In my opinion, enemies-to-lovers is the best trope for tension and steam. *wink wink*
It’s easy to fall for the best friend, the white knight, the one who has always been there. But sometimes you gotta root for the person who gets under the protagonist’s skin and makes their blood boil (in the best way).
New to this trope? Enemies-to-Lovers features two characters who start off as enemies, but as they overcome their differences or misconceptions about each other, end up in a romantic relationship and fall in love. And boy, does the rough start pay off!
Victoria Loves Enemies-to-Lovers
Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet introduced me to this trope and I’ve been hooked ever since. Enemies-to-Lovers is my jam, butter and toast. It’s my all-time favorite trope and I’m not afraid to say it. Any time I fall into a book slump and need a reset, these are my go-to reads.
Full disclosure, I’ve read these all multiple times. And I’ll probably read them again and again and again.
Favorite Scene
“You could be my entire world,” he whispers in my ear before moving to my collarbone. “If you let me.”
- LOVE, THEORETICALLY by Ali Hazelwood
Enemies-to-Lovers Recommendations
A GRUMPY-SUNSHINE FAVORITE: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (Amazon)
This is the book that reminded me of my love for this trope and featured some of my favorite things: donuts, books, and one bed. Lucy and Joshua may be playing games by their own set of rules… but ultimately, you (the reader) come out victorious.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 5/5
A ROMANTASY THAT LIVED UP TO THE BOOKTOK HYPE: Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1) by Rebecca Yarros (Amazon)
People will say this book was too long, but I could’ve read more. There’s forbidden romance, tension, steam, spice, and addictive chemistry — everything you could ever want in a romantasy — enveloped in an adventure-packed story. Rebecca Yarros built a world that I’d be tempted to live. in. Note: I’ve read Fourth Wing twice, and I plan to read it ahead of each book that comes out in this series.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 5/5
LGBTQ+ CROSS-CONTINENT LOVE: Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (Amazon)
A love so big it can’t be contained to one nation. You’ll laugh, you’ll sigh, you’ll cry. Red White and Royal Blue will take you on a journey of a hesitant friendship that blooms into a heartwarming love.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 5/5
DIVERSE AND NEURO-DIVERGENT MAIN CHARACTERS: Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert (Amazon)
Nothing says enemy like being run-over by a purple tornado. This accidental forced proximity, opposites attract romance made me want to cozy-up in a charming B&B and call it home.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
A YOUNG ADULT ADVENTURE: Today Tonight Tomorrow (Rowan & Neil #1) by Rachel Lynn Solomon (Amazon)
Go on a 24-hour adventure with Rowan and Neil and ride the rollercoaster of young love. This sweet story filled me with butterflies and made me nostalgic for my high school days.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
AGE-GAP SPORTS ROMANCE: Kulti by Mariana Zapata (Amazon)
You haven’t experienced a slow burn until you read Kulti. And just as well, you’ve yet to experience gratification until you’ve read Kulti. This forbidden romance is a guilty pleasure.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
FORBIDDEN WORKPLACE AFFAIR WITH A BILLIONAIRE: Beautiful Bastard (Beautiful Bastard #1) by Christina Lauren (Amazon)
This starts off so hot and just keeps going. I’ll be the first to admit the overall story falls a bit short of my usual standards, but this forbidden office romance gets my recommendation for the tension, steam, and dirty talk.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
The Best of the Best
THE TOP PICK: Love, Theoretically (The Love Hypothesis #3) by Ali Hazelwood (Amazon)
I read this book twice within the first 24 hours of receiving it, and it very quickly became my go-to palate cleanser / book hangover relief. To say I’m addicted to this romance is an understatement.
Ali introduces us to two intriguing characters in Elsie and Jack and turns up the humor and steam. Enter the world of academia, professional fake dating, and workplace romance. The twists and tiny details had me squealing and eagerly turning the page. The chemistry, the tension, the feud… sighhhh!
Jack Smith might be my ultimate book boyfriend - a sulking, intelligent and no-nonsense with the softest center. If he wants to hunt something to cook for me, I would definitely not say no.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 5/5
Side Note: The Love Hypothesis series is an enemies-to-lovers dream. Add these to your list!
Until the next chapter!
xo, Victoria
P.S. Craving more books featuring these sub-genres, tropes, and themes? Tap the links below.
